The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is conducting a survey of those who suffer from the “holiday blues.”

Information obtained from the inquiry could help NAMI Solano County, based in Fairfield, and other levels of the alliance and its affiliates build public awareness and provide public education about mental health issues, the group said in a news release.

“We’re trying to assess what people consider the holiday blues, how they specifically affect people who are living with mental illness and what coping mechanisms people use,” the statement from NAMI Solano County said.

NAMI, based in Arlington, Va., is a volunteer nonprofit that supports families of those dealing with mental illness through education and advocacy, including pushing for better treatment, fighting stigma and discrimination, and lobbying for legislation and public policy that helps those with neurobiological brain disorders.

NAMI-Solano County was started by families who wanted to help loved ones who had mental illness.

Bob Carolla, director of NAMI’s media relations, announced the survey, available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/holidayblues, saying, “The holiday season runs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. For some people, including those living with mental illness, this time can be filled with ‘holiday blues’ instead of holiday cheer.”

He said the survey asks those responding to describe their experiences and offer advice to others.

“Even if you’ve never experienced holiday blues, you may have a loved one who has, and your insights can help others,” he said.

The questionnaire asks whether the person has been diagnosed with one or more of a variety of mental health disorders, whether the person simply has “experienced the blues,” or if they have a relative who has been diagnosed with mental illness.

The survey asks how individuals define “holiday blues,” and gives a list of associated feelings or concerns they can check.

While they’re asked whether holidays make their condition worse, they also can say what activity helps alleviate the condition, and what advice the person might give to those experiencing “holiday blues.”

“Even if you’ve never experienced holiday blues, you may have a loved one who has,” Carolla said. “And your insights can help others.”

NAMI Solano County has a “warm line,” 707-422-7792, and can be emailed at NamiSolanoCounty@sbcglobal.net.

Its website provides information about resources available to those dealing with mental illness, information about the different types of mental illnesses, and a schedule of educational classes. Those interested may call the agency at 707-451-4788.

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